Two separate incidents of SIM (subscriber identity module) card fraud in South Africa’s Free State and Gauteng provinces again highlights the nefarious and increasing levels of crime falling into the cyber category.
In one, machines suspected to be used for cloning the integrated circuits used to securely store international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) numbers was taken from a Bloemfontein house.
Earlier this month, the provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, lieutenant colonel Zweli Mohobeleli, said police investigators reacted to information about two houses in Woodlands, Bloemfontein, where the suspects were using unknown machines to clone data and manufacture SIM cards.
“A search and seizure operation, duly authorised by the court, was conducted. SIM cards of different service providers to an estimated value of over R1 million, suspected cloning machines, cash, two firearms and rounds of ammunition were among the items recovered at the two houses,” Mohobeleli said.
Three suspects – all Chinese nationals – were arrested in the Bloemfontein operation, while another 45 suspects were subsequently arrested in Bryanston, Johannesburg. Six are Chinese nationals and thought to be ring leaders, and the remainder are all foreign nationals, according to COMRiC (Communication Risk Information Centre), Chief Executive Thokozani Mvelase.
In total, more than two million SIM cards were seized.
COMRiC said the cards seized were not fake or cloned – based on tested samples, they are genuine and active on networks but were illegally obtained. The confiscated machines were not used to produce SIM cards. Rather, COMRiC maintains they were for bulk SMS (short message service) indicating criminal activity.
Part of follow-up efforts will see a joint task team support police in investigations. This, Mvelase is reported as saying, will help us understand how so many SIM cards ended up in specific locations, especially if the individuals involved are not recognised distribution channels.
“As the investigation progresses we will determine if and what crimes were committed,” Mvelase added.
“Illegal SIM cards,” he told ITWeb, “can lead to identity theft and unauthorised access to sensitive information, resulting in monetary loss and privacy breaches for victims.”
Criminals can use these SIM cards to bypass security measures, gain control of bank accounts and perpetrate fraudulent activities without the victims’ knowledge. Repercussions for individuals are often devastating, as they must navigate complex processes to restore their identity and recover lost funds.
“On a systemic level, the use of stolen SIM cards undermines the integrity of the telecommunications network, posing significant challenges to service providers and regulatory authorities. These illicit activities can lead to network congestion, reduced service quality and increased operational costs for providers who must invest heavily in security measures and fraud detection systems.”
Additionally, COMRiC points out stolen SIM cards complicates law enforcement efforts to track and apprehend criminals, as they obscure the digital footprints necessary for effective investigation.
